As I think back at the beginning of our journey, it empowers me to know what all we have overcome. I never though this would have become so easy, so thoughtless to shop cook and prepare food for Teagan. Home is our Safe House. I am in complete control, and it’s comforting. But to live in this bubble is not realistic, nor is it fair for Teagan. We are a very social family; we love to spend a family night out trying new venues or going to old favorites, or movie night in ordering pizza. Going to Nona’s house for a family dinner and the girls spending the night, for either fun or because school is out the following day is a very common occurrence for our family, including birthday party’s, or holiday parties at school, these are the times that I feel out of control and helpless. And if you know me at all…not something I like to feel.  I don’t want this disease to cripple Teagan. And I know that seems a bit hardcore since looking at her she is healthy. Even with her looking about 3 years younger than she is due to her growth retardation, she is very athletic, talented at soccer and almost anything she tries. But I’m speaking emotionally crippled, I have heard on more occasions that I would like…”Why am I Gluten Free?”…”I hate being Gluten Free!”… “It’s not fair!” What do you tell a now 9 year old? How many ways can I explain to her the reasoning behind this disease she has? What I have done is gotten tougher on her; I don’t let her feel sorry for herself. I don’t let her dwell on the negativity. And I don’t baby her, and it is so easy to do just that. Because as a mom all you want to do is scoop her up and hold and hug her and give in to her demands… of SUGAR. It is much easier to find gluten free snacks that are sweet and sugary, than it is to find healthy and savory snacks. But I’m learning, and will be sharing with you the recipes I find or create, and restaurants we love and go to all the time, or are willing to try for the first time. Sharing the good the bad and the ugly, focusing on a kid friendly gluten free, Austin.